Through an agreement developed with the Department of Defense's Mentor-Protege Program, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] will support Lewis Innovative Technologies, Inc., in the continued growth of its business by assisting in the areas of administrative support, training, and technology transfer. These capabilities will strengthen Lewis Innovative Technologies' overall business infrastructure and offerings, which will in turn help meet the security needs of key customers in the armed forces.

The Mentor-Protege Program encourages prime contractors to serve as mentors in developing the technical and business capabilities of small businesses.

As a producer of sophisticated technology, Lewis Innovative Technologies is the perfect partner for Lockheed Martin and this program. The company's products will benefit from Lockheed Martin's business infrastructure support, while Lockheed Martin will be able to transition this technology to its own defense systems.

"Lewis Innovative Technologies is an ideal candidate for a protege," said Jeff MacBride, small business program manager, Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training. "Their experience in the defense industry as well as their innovation and performance with system security capabilities will benefit the Army and Department of Defense through this program."

Lewis Innovative Technologies is based in Decatur, Alabama and employs approximately 25 people. The woman-owned small business specializes in quick-turn analog, digital, power, and systems design providing innovative custom designs and engineering services. The company has collaborated with Lockheed Martin since 2007 on various research and development contracts, and broad agency announcements with the Air Force, Army, and Navy.

"Lewis Innovative Technologies is looking forward to working with Lockheed Martin through the Mentor-Protege Program to improve our infrastructure," said Elizabeth Lewis, chief executive officer of Lewis Innovative Technologies. "We truly believe this partnership will assist Lewis Innovative Technologies in our long term growth by providing a better product to our Military and DoD customers."

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.